Davies slams 'diving' defenders

Trotters forward upset at referee treatment

Last updated: 7th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Davies slams 'diving' defenders

Davies and Mark Clattenburg

I've always tried to play the game honestly but sometimes it goes against you.

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Bolton striker Kevin Davies has slammed Premier League defenders for going down too easily.

The big forward has committed nearly 150 more fouls than anyone else in the history of the Premier League, but he claims that top-flight managers tell defenders to dive when they go in for a challenge against him.

Davies is known for throwing his weight around and causing problems in the air, and is the spearhead of a Bolton side that uses a direct approach in their games, but the 32-year-old is frustrated at the actions of some opposition players.

"Certain teams or managers will just say 'go down' if I'm anywhere near, and try to get you booked," he said.

"Recently, there's been a few games where it's obvious to me people have been told to go over the top and make a meal of any sort of contact with me.

"They do that to try and get me out of the game. I don't mind it, I just get on with it and do the job."

Criticism

Davies also criticised referees for not awarding free-kicks in his favour just because he decides not to go to ground.

"There was the game against (Manchester) United when I got caught and split my eye open," he added.

"Then the week after against Everton I got caught three times. I had a black eye, was re-stitched again, but the referee was only five yards away and said he didn't see it.

"I've always tried to play the game honestly but sometimes it goes against you. You go to head the ball and everyone else can see it, but because I don't tend to go down we don't get free-kicks.

"That is something the referees need to look at. I don't think you should have to go down. That is not something I'm going to start bringing into my game now."

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